Dynamics of a Single Polyampholyte Chain*

Polymers that feature both positive and negative charges, also known as polyampholytes, represent a class of materials that hold promise for a new generation of energy storage devices (e.g., higher performance capacitors), the design of which will require knowledge of the underlying structure and dynamics. The dynamics of neutral polymers was studied decades ago by pioneers such as Rouse, Zimm, and de Gennes, but the dynamics of polyampholyte systems has been paid less attention, due in part to the complexity of chemical synthesis. Here, we develop a theory for the dynamic structure factor for a single polyampholyte chain under external electric fields and under weak internal fluctuations. We find deviations in scaling from the classic Rouse theory based on the distribution of charges and make predictions for scattering experiments performed on such compounds.